The rate of smallpox vaccine-associated adverse events in the United States, and smallpox preparedness activities by the Netherlands, Germany, and WHO

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state health departments in the United States are conducting ongoing surveillance for adverse effects due to smallpox vaccine during the civilian smallpox vaccination programme (1). Out of 4213 civilian healthcare workers vaccinated between 24 January and 14 February 2003, no potentially life threatening or moderate to severe adverse events have been reported. Seven vaccine recipients were reported to have non-serious adverse events. The most common signs and symptoms were fever (n=two), rash (n=two), malaise (n=two), pruritis (n=two), hypertension (n=two), and pharyngitis (n=two) (Table).